Just in time for Valentine's Day they want us to know kissing couples can share more than 500 disease-causing germs and viruses.

“Not knowing who you are kissing could be as dangerous to your health as having multiple sexual partners,” says AGD Spokesperson Connie White.

Ew. Really?!

Maybe I'm a cheeseball who has watched Casablanca one too many times and teared up when Sam sings “As Time Goes By.” But, I thought 'a kiss is just a kiss.' And also fundamental. The sappy stuff of moonlight and love songs!

“I think it is common sense to not go smooching someone who has a cold, or especially a cold sore,” he said. “Of course, lots of things are transmissible through kissing, but having our dentists tell us to stop will have little impact on the public whatsoever. We can't even get people to stop drinking (soda pop) all day.”

“I doubt much is going to be done to curb the desire to make out,” he said.

But technically, yes, the AGD is correct, he said. You should be careful who you kiss.

“While the West Michigan District does not have an official policy on 'kissing,' the AGD is
a good organization and we don't generally have disagreements with the science,” Vruggink said.

Vruggink was surprised the AGD did not mention that dental decay is also a transmissible disease that can be shared through kissing or sharing of foods and utensils. Especially because Vruggink figures most people are unaware dental decay is bacterial in nature and must be transmitted from one person to another before someone can get a cavity.

He's right. I did not know that. And ew! That's kinda gross, too. But definitely news you can use.

“This transmission, however, usually occurs in infancy or as a toddler and is usually from the parent,” Vruggink said. “We have been trying to spread that message to new parents in order to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay, but have had limited success.”

“Moms and Dads will clean a spoon and do lots of other things that transmit decay causing bacteria without even thinking about it,” he said. “It is a tough sell.”

Ok, so if after all that yucky talk you are still in the mood to kiss, and assuming both parties are healthy, the AGD helpfully reminds us not all smooches are bad. In fact, they say, some kissing benefits oral health by increasing saliva production that helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and protect teeth from harmful acids.

They also share common sense tips for fresh breath like avoiding onions, garlic and coffee and encouraging brushing the tongue, cheeks and the roof of the mouth.